Cash grant for heart research

The scientists will research the Jekyll and Hyde effect.

A team of scientists at Bristol University has been awarded £670,000 to research a cure for a potential killer disease.

The cash, from the British Heart Foundation, will help the group look into possible problems within heart cells and the so-called, Jekyll and Hyde effect.

Mitochondria provide the energy necessary for keeping a heart beating and blood pumping around the body.

But they can become killers, causing irreversible damage to the heart - the Jekyll and Hyde effect

A university spokesman said: "As you walk uphill and your heart beats faster, the mitochondria must produce more energy to keep pace with the increase in demand.

"But when the heart is deprived of its blood supply, such as during a heart attack, the mitochondria can no longer provide enough energy and the heart stops beating.

"This may occur spontaneously when a blood clot forms in one of the heart's coronary arteries - a heart attack - or deliberately during heart surgery.

If it could be prevented it would reduce the amount of damage to the heart

Professor Andrew Halestrap

"In these circumstances it is essential to restore the blood flow as soon as possible. If it takes too long, major damage to the heart can occur.

"There is a mechanism within mitochondria that - once activated - destroys the muscle cells of the heart, leading to permanent damage.

"This switch from one role to another is rather like the good doctor Jekyll turning into the evil Mr Hyde."

Professor Andrew Halestrap, added: "Our research will be directed towards understanding the mechanisms involved in this Jekyll to Hyde conversion, and developing drugs to prevent it.

"If it could be prevented it would reduce the amount of damage to the heart that may occur after a heart attack or prolonged surgery."